"I didn't think it was going to be this soon," said sophomore Edwin Mascorro. "I hate to see that UH is continuously being used as a stepping stone to move up into a higher conference."

"We didn't get into the Big 12 this year so that definitely hurt our chances of keeping him," said student Anthony Salcido.

Fans ABC13 spoke with say recruiting is their big concern.

"I think for the university it's going to be a challenge but we'll overcome like we have throughout the years," said student Omar Coronado.

PHOTOS: Tom Herman through the years

Many fans are still grateful for the positive impact Herman had.

"No hard feelings. He did what he needed to do. He added energy into this program," Mascorro said.

University officials issued statements wishing Herman well, saying the search is on for a replacement.

In a tweet, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner wished Herman stayed but now the team should "build and claim the future."

Students and fans are hopeful for the team's future but weary of the coaching changes.

"Any potential coach that's looking I think he'll find the right place here," Mascorro added. "Problem is, will people buy into it again?"

University of Houston President Renu Khator released the following statement:

"University of Houston football is built on decades of rich, winning tradition and there is no question that Tom Herman accelerated our resurgence. Tom left an indelible mark and I am grateful for his accomplishments and his friendship. I wish Tom and his family the best as we begin an immediate search for the next leader of our championship caliber program.

"Houston Football is committed long-term to competing for championships against top-tier programs on the national stage, and we continue to demonstrate this through our unprecedented investments in talent and new facilities. Cougar Nation has experienced a reawakening and I firmly believe this is just the beginning. I am confident we will find the right individual to lead our athletes, leverage the richest recruiting grounds in the country, and continue this upward trajectory."

University of Houston Vice President for Athletics Hunter Yuracheck released the following statement:

"In his short time in Houston, Tom Herman elevated the Houston Football program to new heights, and we are grateful for his contributions to our program. The entire University of Houston community wishes he and his family continued success in this new chapter in their lives.

"We will immediately turn our focus to identifying the next leader of our program. We are confident we will find the right individual who will support the young men who are and have committed to this program and who will also support our mission of building Champions for Life, both on and off the field.

"With a Tier One University, fertile recruiting ground, upgraded facilities including a new indoor practice facility slated to be completed next fall and a roster full of driven and talented student-athletes, the next leader of the Houston Football program will have an outstanding opportunity to compete for championships, maintain our program's national prominence and continue the H-TownTakeover.

"We are partnering with Collegiate Sports Associates on our national search and all inquiries from interested candidates should be directed to Todd Turner at Collegiate Sports Associates."